Oregon's second largest state park, Cottonwood Canyon on the John Day River, will be dedicated next week following the fourth meeting of the year of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in Condon.

The meeting is scheduled Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 23-24, at Memorial Hall (120 S. Main St.). prior to the park dedication next Wednesday. The 8,000-acre park is located on Oregon 206, where the highway crosses the John Day River between Wasco in Sherman County and Condon in Gilliam County.

Dedication ceremonies will commence at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, when dignitaries and officials gather in the park. Events run through 3 p.m. The park's day use area will be open, so will the campground. Until further developed, camping will be classifgied as "primitive," with potable water obtained from shared spigots and vault toilets. The campsites have been plumbed and wired for electricity, but won't offer either until the next phase of development.

The commission meeting begins next Monday with a work and an executive session. A discussion about acquisition priorities
and legal affairs is closed to the public.

The following day, the commission will hold its regular business meeting
starting at 8:30 a.m. This session is open to the public and includes time for
public comment on matters not already on the agenda. Items on the agenda include:

• Public testimony on the proposed land exchange affecting
Bandon State Natural Area and possible purchase of new state park property in
Grant County.

• A comprehensive plan for the Wapato State Greenway on Sauvie Island.

Park dedication events include free lunch for the first 300 people (beginning at 11:30 a.m.), a ceremony by tribal elders, short guided hikes featuring birding and native plants, and a talk by a geologist.

A highlight will be the placement of 10 ranch-style brands on park fences and railings. The brands were designed by school children from Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties.

The opening celebration continues the following weekend, Sept. 28-29, with guided hikes plus activities for kids from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.